Acknowledgments

When it comes time to write the acknowledgments page, I always wish I had ten pages of space so I could put down the name of every person who was ever nice to me. My wonderful editor, Jennifer Fox, however, would probably frown upon it if I cut into the ghost stories to fill this book with thanks. So let me begin by saying that the people I am thanking here are currently in my life and they affect my day-to-day outlook. Please do not feel I have forgotten you if you do not find your name here. Others who deserve thanks are mentioned within the pages of this book, so consider yourself automatically acknowledged!

I’ve now done two books with my astute editor, Jennifer Fox, and I hope we will do many more together. I thank her for her enthusiasm, patience, and wise direction.

And, of course, I thank my agent, Sheree Bykofsky, who has proved she is a genius with words by not only authoring twelve books, but winning Scrabble championships and an impressive sum on TV’s famous Wheel of Fortune.

I am so happy to have met the Scott family in 2002, the most creative family I know. Though most of them do not share my philosophies on ghosts, they have inspired me with their talent and friendship. Thanks to the whole Scott family and in particular Florence Scott, Glenn Scott, Dheb Gott, Luke Short, Jake Gott, Laurie Gott, Meridith Scott, and Vona Mae Scott.

Thanks to Ann Rule for passing along her writing genes and for being a continual source of support. And thank you to author Donna Anders, who is like an aunt to me!

During my travels to ghostly places, I’ve made a number of friends. Some have proved to be diligent researchers, diving into the mysteries that swirl around the ghost stories. Thanks to Katie Kizer and Alex Kizer for your research assistance. And thanks to Anita Dytuco and Amy Dytuco who not only scrutinized reels of newspaper microfilm but also chauffeured me around St. Louis and treated me like a queen.

Other people whose kind words and smiles have brought me gladness include Keitha L. Crain, Shirley Winkleman, Beth Winkleman, Martha Tuthill, Barbara Rike, Kathy Kraushar, Gregg Zehnder, Andy Zehnder, John Misura, John Knutzen, Doug and Sharon Bullis, Kelly McMurty, Tim King, Kevin Wagner, Celia Sadlou, Jim and Marge Toddle, Bill and Margarett Rudberg, Savanna Rudberg Schreiner, Lynn Rhone, Janice Owens, Andrea Owens, Phillip Owens, April Owens, Joseph Owens, Jeremy Owens, Kimberly Bruklis, Chrissanne Gordon, Neal and Nancy Fischer, Dr. Csaba Hegyvary, Jan Gill, Chuck Dwight, Earline Byers, and Harmonie Rose Keene.

My gratitude to Diana Rhodes and Michelle Johansson. I will always remember your extra dose of support!

And, as always, my thanks go to Marianne Burress, who has been in my corner rooting for me for thirty-seven years.